Air India Staff Face Pay Cuts Over Weight

Air India has introduced a strict Cabin Crew Health and Fitness Compliance Policy, effective May 1, 2026. This new regulation subjects cabin crew members to potential pay cuts and leave without pay if their Body Mass Index (BMI) falls outside the designated healthy range.

The policy establishes a normal BMI range between 18 and 24.9. Readings below 18 are considered underweight, while those between 24.9 and 29.9 are classified as overweight. Obese individuals, with a BMI of 30 and above, will be immediately removed from flying rosters and face loss of pay.

BMI assessments will be conducted both before and after flights. Staff found to be outside the acceptable range will undergo a seven-day medical and functional evaluation. Failure to pass this assessment will result in leave without pay until clearance is obtained. Those deemed obese are given a specific number of days to achieve an acceptable BMI.

Air India provides affected staff with 30 days to return to a normal BMI range, followed by formal caution and final warning letters if compliance is not met. This policy was reportedly launched to encourage a healthy lifestyle among employees and was implemented following the airline's significant annual loss of approximately 150 billion rupees ($1.6 billion).